Provocative prototyping
What is it?
Provotypes are a form of prototyping that intends to provoke an audience, stirring up emotions, uncovering what people think and challenging assumptions. Unlike a regular prototype, they don't intend on validating our ideas.
Why and when should I use this?
They are conversational tools to expand people's thinking, leading to unexpected insights. Provotypes are simple, low-fidelity models that encourage discussion and often include something unexpected that prompts audiences to ask questions or tell you why something doesn't work. By inviting people to question the value of what we are doing we are more likely to solve the challenge in the right way.
How much time should I spend on this?
15 minutes. Keep your provotypes quick and rough to get you started.
Who should I involve in this?
The team you are working with and any stakeholders that you want to test with and get feedback from.
How to use it...
- Use what you have: This isn't about refinement: this should be something you can readily adapt. Use paper, cardboard, tape, pens and found objects.
- Decide what to provotype: Pick an idea, or a component of an idea, that you want to develop further. Think about how you can display it differently to invite discussion and questions. This could mean introducing something that is wrong in the context of the idea. If you are designing how people can communicate better in a team, your provotype could be tin cans attached with string.
- Invite feedback: Introduce people to your provotype who will provide insight into what you are making. Ask them questions and record their responses.
- Iterate, iterate, iterate: Refine your provotypes using the feedback and test again. Continue in these cycles until testers are satisfied. Record all phases of your provotypes to document your development journey.